B question to the learned

[chaz]

having read Diegos posting I have a question I would like answered please.

We recently picked up a Harley Davidson Ironhead project for youngest son, when we got it the owner said it was originally in a BSA frame. But, the headstock was possibly bent so he sourced a correct year frame for the Harley.
the thing is the V5 lists as a BSA  1000cc first regd in november 1973., the engine number and new frame reflect 1972 hence suffix M for 73-74!!?

my question is that as it is no longer in a BSA frame it has to be re registered and assigned a Q plate, Its a long project but if someone can point me in a direction what would the log  book be useable for?
BB31 4464 frame number ?
I guess a B31 but could it be B33? and what year as I dont like throwing things away when there is a chance to repair or rebuild. thanks

[JohnH]

Hi Chaz,

Sounds an interesting project - good luck with it!

If you're not already a member, it may be worth joining the BSA Owner's Club. Their Librarian has all the available BSA records and should be able to give you exact frame manufacturing and despatch dates. He will also be able to give you detail of the engine, including engine number and type that was originally in the frame. The BSAOC also offers a certification service that the DVLA apparently accepts as validation of frame. You should then only need to advise the DVLA of the new engine details and they will issue a registration.

My knowledge of these things isn't great so don't take it as read but certainly the BSAOC is a good resource. Here's the dating page link at their site: http://www.bsaownersclub.co.uk/Register_Date.html.

Don't forget to post some photos!
John

[chaz]

hi john, am/was in the BSAOC thought I had paid up but nothing received for a few months, still getting bits from VMCC.
just posted here as looks like a 1853 B31 or B33 from their on screen records, but as they dont have a forum looking for a quick answer to decide what to do

[JohnH]

Hi Chaz,

If you haven't been getting anything then your membership is likely to have lapsed. You could try emailing the membership secretary, Brian Collier or if you wanted to see if BSAOC could help you try emailing librarian@bsaownersclub.co.uk. All the BSAOC contact details are at http://www.bsaownersclub.co.uk/officers.html and all the necessary postal and email addresses are there.

Not sure how complete the VMCC records are for BSA records.

This forum is brilliant for getting replies on just this sort of issue so you may just need to wait a bit for someone to latch on.

I just re-read your original post and it seems to indicate that the frame is actually a Harley frame as the BSA frame headstock was bent. If that's the case then the present V5 is surely worthless as neither the engine or the frame relates to it? My conclusion therefore is that you will need to go down the type approval route, getting the bike assessed by the VCA people and that will likely mean a Q plate as you surmised .... just my opinion.

Regards,
John